Orest & Marlene Kowall

Celebration of Life for Orest and Marlene Kowall

Monday, August 11, 2025 at 11:00 am at Good Shepherd Catholic Church

Interment ~ Evergreen Memorial Gardens

Lovingly remembered by her children Natalie (Rick) Deleau, Dana (Jerry) Campbell, and Aaron (Caitlin) Kowall and grandchildren Tyler (Jasmine) Campbell, Sara (Matt) Campbell, Matthew (Rowan) Kowall and Bronwyn (Riley) Kowall, great grandsons Nash Campbell and Theodore Kowall, and great granddaughter Leyton Campbell.. She is also remembered by siblings Joyce McIvor, John (Shannon) McIvor, Sherman “Bud” (Sheila) McIvor. 

She was predeceased by husband of 60 years Orest Kowall, parents Douglas and Grace McIvor, sister Loretta (Denzel) Sandberg, and brothers Keith (Dorothy) McIvor and Kelly (Joan) McIvor.

Florence “Marlene” Kowall (nee McIvor)

Marlene spent her entire life living in and around Portage la Prairie. She was born and raised on the family farm south of the city in Layland moving into Portage to attend high school. She enjoyed traveling, especially, with her sister Loretta with whom she took numerous trips to Vegas to enjoy its many shows. As much as she enjoyed her Vegas trips, she was always keen to return home to her family. She worked briefly for MTS and spent most of her working years as a receptionist at Portage General Hospital. Marlene’s joy came from her family, both immediate and extended. She seemed most fulfilled when she was taking care of the people she loved. As a result, Marlene was called upon regularly when family near or far needed assistance due to medical or other setbacks. She spent many months with her sister Loretta’s family around Crystal Lake Illinois helping them through treatments for cancer, recovering from transplants (organ and bone marrow), and palliative care, all without a moment’s hesitation. In her later years, she found it difficult to be the one requiring care rather than providing it. In retirement Marlene enjoyed spending time volunteering at Welcome house and MCC in Portage la Prairie.

Orest Kowall

Orest was born in Tarnapol Saskatchewan and lived his life in the prairies between Saskatchewan and Manitoba. He taught for many years in Portage at Victoria School and then at Yellowquill school until his retirement. Orest loved the outdoors and spent most of his free time hunting, fishing, and gardening. When not doing outdoor recreation Orest loved tinkering and fixing things and always had projects on the go. He was a caring father and grandfather who was always there to help regardless of the situation.